When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Candle Castle & Co.
Why Candle Castle & Co. is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Candle Castle & Co., nestled in the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, is a luxurious and charming destination for candle enthusiasts and those seeking a unique social experience. This beautifully appointed store offers far more than just exquisite candles; it's a hub for creativity and connection through their popular candle making classes. Ideal for date nights, girls' nights, birthdays, and bachelorette parties, this business elevates a simple craft into an artistic celebration. Visitors can handpick their own fragrances and vessels to customize personal candles under expert guidance in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The workshop experience lasts about an hour, after which guests can either stay or return later to collect their perfectly set candles, giving them the freedom to enjoy the experience at their own pace. Beyond individual visits, Candle Castle & Co. is highly praised for its private event offerings, providing spaces for up to 18 guests with options for both intimate and larger group celebrations including corporate events and team-building exercises. The inviting ambiance, coupled with high-quality products like bath and beauty items, diffusers, and warmers, makes it an exceptional place to meet friends and create lasting memories.
Here's what people think of Candle Castle & Co.
As of recent, Candle Castle & Co. holds a 4.9-star rating based on 581 reviews.
Reviews for Candle Castle & Co. consistently highlight a nearly perfect 4.9-star rating based on 581 customer reviews, showcasing overwhelming satisfaction with the entire candle-making experience. Customers commonly note the exceptional hospitality and highly knowledgeable instructors who make the class accessible and enjoyable even for beginners. Many reviewers praise the cozy, well-maintained shop atmosphere and the wide variety of scent and vessel choices that allow for truly personalized creations. Positive feedback often mentions the relaxed pace of the workshop, the quality of candles produced, and the flexibility in scheduling candle pickup. On the other hand, some less enthusiastic reviews mention minor issues such as the workshop duration feeling slightly short or scheduling conflicts, but these are rare and generally outweighed by positive experiences. Customers looking for private or mobile event options also commend the personalized attention and ability to tailor the experience, with any logistical concerns resolved quickly by staff. Overall, the reviews affirm Candle Castle & Co. as a wonderful destination for anyone wanting a creative outing with friends or a memorable group event, praised for its combination of luxury, fun, and expert guidance.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sara Michalik
This candle making class was the most fun I’ve had in a long time! Absolutely loved the experience! Jocelyn was knowledgeable and kind during the entire process and took her time explaining everything. I will be coming back again soon!
Eric Miller
Stopping in with time to kill we ended up making a pair of candles that fit our individual styles. Ellianna was an amazing host and patient teacher through the entire process. She even recommended a spot for us to grab lunch while we waited for our candles to be dry enough to travel. The facility was clean and well lit. Would highly recommend for families or date night activity.
Snehal (thefoodblogie)
Super fun experience! Great activity for date night, bday or bachelorette parties. This is great especially when Chicago gets cold. Excited to light my candle when I get home!
Sergio Sanchez
Had an amazing two year anniversary here! Very easy to understand activity that left a lot of room for bonding among the scents, gems, and more! Nice staff as well! Highly recommend 💗🙏🏽
Anna Nyari
Such a fun friendly experience!!! Jocelyn was our instructor super nice and clear instructions! Definitely worth coming back !!! Area was very clean and well organized!!!
How to reach Candle Castle & Co.
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Why Candle Castle & Co. may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Candle Castle & Co. with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a memorable, engaging outing at Candle Castle & Co. offers an experience beyond the usual dinner or movie night. This charming candle-making studio in Chicago creates a unique space to connect, relax, and unleash your creativity together. Whether it's a girls’ night out, a family gathering, or a special celebration like a birthday or bachelorette party, Candle Castle & Co. invites you to bond over crafting your own personalized, all-natural candles. The hands-on experience encourages laughter, conversation, and shared accomplishment as each guest designs their own scented masterpiece. The cozy, beautifully curated atmosphere, combined with expert guidance, makes everyone feel welcomed and inspired. Additionally, you can linger afterward exploring the vibrant Bucktown neighborhood or enjoy nearby eateries recommended by the welcoming staff, enhancing the whole day’s adventure. With a stellar 4.9-star rating from over 580 reviews, it’s clear this local gem delivers an exceptional outing that creates lasting memories with your favorite people.
What activities are available at Candle Castle & Co.?
The centerpiece of Candle Castle & Co. is the immersive candle-making experience, where guests create their own custom candles using a range of all-natural waxes, fragrances, and stylish containers. This hands-on workshop lasts about an hour, making it a perfect length for a fun, creative break. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned crafter, the in-house instructors provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring everyone leaves with a professional-quality candle they helped design. Beyond individual classes, the studio offers private bookings in a dedicated room for groups up to 10, or the option to reserve the entire event space to accommodate up to 18 guests, ideal for team-building, baby showers, or lively parties.
During the candle-setting time, guests can browse a beautiful retail collection featuring unique vessels and scents, which adds an engaging shopping element to the visit. Importantly, private events allow for BYOB and food, letting you elevate your gathering with your favorite snacks and drinks, served in provided tableware. This combination of crafting, socializing, and exploring makes Candle Castle & Co. a dynamic destination for groups looking to enjoy both creativity and conviviality.
Why is Candle Castle & Co. ideal for group meetups?
Candle Castle & Co. thrives as a group venue because it offers activities that foster connection and shared accomplishment in a welcoming environment. The structure of the candle-making class promotes interaction, as friends discuss scent choices and designs while working alongside each other. The option to reserve private spaces means your group has a comfortable, exclusive setting that encourages relaxed conversation and celebration without interruptions. Hosts appreciate that clean-up is included, minimizing hassle and allowing everyone to focus on fun.
Moreover, the studio’s central location in Bucktown connects your meetup to a lively neighborhood with cafés, restaurants, and art galleries to explore before or after your session, extending your group outing naturally. The friendly, knowledgeable team is also highly rated for creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere where people feel valued. These combined elements make Candle Castle & Co. much more than a craft studio—it is a thoughtfully designed social experience perfect for making meaningful memories with friends or family.
How can I book and what should I expect on the day of a visit?
Booking your experience at Candle Castle & Co. is straightforward through their website, where you select your preferred class type, date, time, and party size. Individual candle-making sessions cost $55 per person and last approximately one hour. Private events, including access to the private room for up to 10 guests, are priced at $650 for a three-hour party, offering a more customized and leisurely ambiance. It’s recommended to arrive ten minutes early, especially in Chicago’s busy traffic, so you can start smoothly on time.
Upon arrival, guests receive clear instructions along with all materials needed to craft their candles. During the waiting period for wax to set, you can peruse retail items or discover local Bucktown attractions nearby. If circumstances prevent you from staying for the pick-up, the studio holds your finished candle for up to 30 days, ensuring flexibility. Private events have the added benefit of BYOB and food allowance, creating a celebratory feel. The attentive staff assist with any questions and help tailor the experience, ensuring a memorable and seamless visit.
What nearby amenities elevate the Candle Castle & Co. experience?
Located on Milwaukee Avenue in the vibrant Bucktown area, Candle Castle & Co. benefits from a neighborhood alive with art, shops, and dining options that complement your candle-making day. After your creative session, you and your friends can relax or continue bonding by visiting nearby highlights such as Thrd Coffee, perfect for a specialty brew, or Yolk, known for its delicious breakfast and brunch menus. For a more casual bite, The Stop Along Pizza and Stuff offers famous burgers, ideal for family-style sharing or refueling after crafting.
Bucktown also hosts impressive public artwork and green spaces such as the 606 Milwaukee Point, inviting gentle strolls or a group walk to decompress and chat. This convenient access to diverse amenities means your trip to Candle Castle & Co. can be a full-day event blending creativity, food, and exploration, adding layers to your shared experience and making the outing even richer.
What makes Candle Castle & Co. stand out as a top-rated candle-making studio?
Candle Castle & Co.’s impressive 4.9-star rating from over 580 reviews reflects its excellence in both experience and customer care. Patrons highlight the friendly, knowledgeable instructors who create a relaxed environment, enabling people of all skill levels to enjoy and succeed at candle making. The studio’s careful attention to the quality and selection of natural waxes, fragrances, and elegant vessels elevates the finished product, ensuring guests take home not just a souvenir, but a craft they’re genuinely proud of.
Additionally, the flexible class sizes and private spaces accommodate a variety of group types and sizes, making it inclusive for families, friends, or corporate teams. The welcoming ambiance, combined with smooth logistics—such as clear cancellation policies, candle storage options, and no-stress clean-up—demonstrates a customer-focused approach that few competitors match. Collectively, these factors explain why Candle Castle & Co. is beloved and frequently recommended for anyone seeking a creative, social, and high-quality candle-making outing.
How does Candle Castle & Co. support special occasions and celebrations?
For those looking to celebrate a milestone, Candle Castle & Co. offers tailored private events where your group can enjoy the candle-making process in an exclusive setting. The private room accommodates up to 10 guests with three-hour sessions that include setup time and cleanup, making it easy to customize your celebration, be it a birthday, baby shower, or team-building exercise. BYOB privileges mean you can bring your favorite beverages and food, served with provided dinnerware, adding a festive, personal touch.
For larger groups, the entire studio space can be reserved, with capacity up to 18 participants, perfect for bachelorette parties or corporate retreats. This flexibility in private event options ensures every celebration feels unique and well supported by attentive staff who help create a memorable experience. The combination of artful creativity, social ambiance, and practical accommodations makes Candle Castle & Co. an ideal venue to host gatherings that guests will cherish long after the candles are blown out.